Techniques facilitating three-dimensional stacked vertical transport field effect transistor logic gates with buried power bus are provided. A logic device can comprise a plate and a first vertical transport field effect transistor formed over and adjacent the plate. The logic device can also comprise a second vertical transport field effect transistor stacked on the first vertical transport field effect transistor. The plate can be a power layer and can be continuous within regions of the device that utilize a common voltage. The plate can be contacted from a surface of the device at intervals corresponding to the regions of common voltage. The plate can be electrically connected to ground. Alternatively, the plate can be electrically connected to a power supply.

Patent
   10325821
Priority
Dec 13 2017
Filed
Dec 13 2017
Issued
Jun 18 2019
Expiry
Dec 13 2037
Assg.orig
Entity
Large
3
27
EXPIRED<2yrs
1. A method, comprising:
forming a plate over a substrate;
forming a first vertical transport field effect transistor over and adjacent the plate; and
forming a second vertical transport field effect over and adjacent the first vertical transport field effect transistor, wherein the second vertical transport field effect transistor is stacked on the first vertical transport field effect transistor, and wherein the plate is a power layer and is continuous within regions of common voltage across a device.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the forming the first vertical transport field effect transistor comprises forming a p-channel field effect transistor over and adjacent the plate, and wherein the forming the second vertical transport field effect transistor comprises forming an n-channel field effect transistor over the p-channel field effect transistor, and wherein the plate is electrically connected to a power supply voltage.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
contacting the plate from a surface of the device at intervals defined as a function of the regions of common voltage.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the forming the first vertical transport field effect transistor comprises forming an n-channel field effect transistor over and adjacent the plate, and wherein the forming the second vertical transport field effect transistor comprises forming a p-channel field effect transistor over the n-channel field effect transistor, and wherein the plate is electrically connected to ground.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:
contacting the plate from a surface of the device at intervals defined as a function of the regions of common voltage.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
depositing a first bonding film on the first vertical transport field effect transistor; and
using a second bonding film of the second vertical transport field effect transistor to affix the second vertical transport field effect transistor to the first vertical transport field effect transistor.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
defining and forming one or more monolithic inter-layer vias, wherein the one or more monolithic inter-layer vias penetrate and contact respective first portions of a gate layer of the second vertical transport field effect transistor and extend to respective second portions of a second gate layer of the first vertical transport field effect transistor.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
covering the first vertical transport field effect transistor with a bonding dielectric; and
planarizing the bonding dielectric prior to the forming the second vertical transport field effect transistor.

The subject disclosure relates to semiconductor device structures and assembly, and more specifically, to vertical transistor devices and methods for making vertical transistor devices.

The following presents a summary to provide a basic understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements, or delineate any scope of the particular embodiments or any scope of the claims. Its sole purpose is to present concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. In one or more embodiments described herein, systems, devices, structures, computer-implemented methods, apparatuses, and/or computer program products that facilitate three-dimensional stacked vertical transport field effect transistor logic gates with buried power bus are provided.

According to an embodiment, a device can comprise a plate and a first vertical transport field effect transistor formed over and adjacent the plate. The logic device can also comprise a second vertical transport field effect transistor stacked on the first vertical transport field effect transistor. The plate can be a power layer and can be continuous within regions of the device that utilize a common voltage.

Another embodiment relates to a method that can comprise providing a plate and forming a first vertical transport field effect transistor over and adjacent the plate. The method can also comprise forming a second vertical transport field effect transistor over and adjacent the first vertical transport field effect transistor. The second vertical transport field effect transistor can be stacked on the first vertical transport field effect transistor. Further, the plate can be a power layer and can be continuous within regions of common voltage across a device.

A further embodiment relates to a semiconductor chip that can comprise a plate and a first vertical transport field effect transistor formed over and adjacent the plate. The semiconductor chip can also comprise a second vertical transport field effect transistor stacked on the first vertical transport field effect transistor. The plate can be a power layer and can be continuous within regions of the semiconductor chip that utilize a common voltage.

These and other features will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example, non-limiting cross-sectional view of a three-dimensional stacked vertical transport field effect transistor logic gates with buried power bus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of formation of a first vertical transport field effect transistor in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first stage of formation of a second vertical transport field effect transistor in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of formation of a semiconducting layer of the second vertical transport field effect transistor in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of formation of a gate layer of the second vertical transport field effect transistor in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of formation of a monolithic inter-layer via in a vertical transport field effect transistor structure in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative cross-sectional view of formation of one or more monolithic inter-layer vias in a vertical transport field effect transistor structure in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of formation of a contact area layer in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of filling the top contact area and the monolithic inter-layer vias in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of filling the top contact area and one or more monolithic inter-layer vias in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 11A illustrates a top-view of a bottom-tier of a two-contacted poly pitch NAND device 11A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 11B illustrates a top-view of a top-tier of the two-contacted poly pitch NAND device of FIG. 11A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 12 illustrates a related electrical circuit for the two-contacted poly pitch NAND device of FIGS. 11A and 11B in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 13A illustrates a top-view of a bottom tier of a two-contacted poly pitch NOR device in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 13B illustrates a top-view of a top-tier of the two-contacted poly pitch NOR device of FIG. 13A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 14 illustrates a corresponding electrical circuit for the device depicted in FIGS. 13A and 13B in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method for fabricating a three-dimensional stacked vertical transport field effect transistor logic gates with buried power bus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow diagram of another example, non-limiting method for fabricating a three-dimensional stacked vertical transport field effect transistor logic gates with buried power bus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 17 illustrates a block diagram of an example, non-limiting operating environment in which one or more embodiments described herein can be facilitated.

The following detailed description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit embodiments and/or application or uses of embodiments. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied information presented in the preceding Background or Summary sections, or in the Detailed Description section.

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like referenced numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the one or more embodiments. It is evident, however, in various cases, that the one or more embodiments can be practiced without these specific details.

The various embodiments described herein relate to various embodiments of stacked vertical transport field effect transistors (VTFETs) logic cells that can be utilized for three-dimensional (3D) monolithic integration. For example, the various aspects can be utilized for heterogeneous integration where an n-channel field effect transistor (NFET) and a p-channel field effect transistor (PFET) temperature cycles can be different. Further, the various aspects can be utilized to reduce the areal dimensions of a given circuit, resulting in tighter packaging of circuits in order for reduction of back-end of line (BEOL) wire length and the associated power and performance benefits. In addition, the various aspects can be utilized to provide a higher drive strength in a given areal footprint. Further, various logic functions can be accomplished with a single unit (NAND or NOR) for improvement of uniformity of processing. In addition, the various aspects can provide a bottom source in a VTFET architecture that can be used as a buried power supply net. For example, the buried power supply can be ground or a voltage source (e.g., VDD).

FIG. 1 illustrates an example, non-limiting cross-sectional view of a three-dimensional stacked vertical transport field effect transistor logic gates with buried power bus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

The vertical transport field effect transistor structure can comprise a plate 100 formed on a substrate 102. The plate 100 can be, for example, a power layer. In an implementation, the plate 100 can be electrically connected to a power supply voltage. In another implementation, the plate 100 can be electrically connected to ground.

The plate 100 (e.g., bottom plate) can be a continuous bottom plate (sometimes referred to as a semi-continuous bottom plate). For example, as illustrated, the plate 100 can extend almost the width of the substrate 102. However, at least one isolation region 108 is not covered by the plate 100. Accordingly, the plate 100 can be continuous within regions of the vertical transport field effect transistor structure that utilize a common voltage. For example, the isolation region 108 can be located at the end of the chip. In another example, the isolation region 108 can be located at a Vdd juncture. For example, if there are two different voltages utilized and powered by the plate 100, there can be an isolation region 108 located between the different plates utilized for the different voltages. In some implementations, an isolation region can be located between plates that utilize the same or a similar voltage level.

According to some implementations, the plate 100 can be P+ doped. In another example, the plate 100 can be N+ doped. The determination of the type of doping can be based on the device to be formed (e.g., a NAND device, a NOR device).

Material used for the substrate 102 can vary. In an aspect, the substrate 102 can comprise a silicon wafer. According to another aspect, the substrate 102 can comprise silicon dioxide on top of a silicon wafer. In another aspect, the substrate can comprise a compound semiconductor such as Indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) or indium phosphide (InP).

A layered stack structure can be formed on the plate 100. The layered stack structure can comprise a first vertical transport field effect transistor 104 and a second vertical transport field effect transistor 106.

Further, the vertical transport field effect transistor structure can comprise one or more monolithic inter-layer vias. For example, a first monolithic inter-layer via 110 can represent a bottom drain to surface. The first monolithic inter-layer via 110 can be large in size, as compared to other monolithic inter-layer vias. The first monolithic inter-layer via 110 can be formed periodically (e.g., as a function of the regions of common voltage). Thus, if there is more than one plate, there can be more than one (first) monolithic inter-layer via that represents a bottom drain to surface.

A second monolithic inter-layer via 112 can extend from a bottom contact area (e.g., a contact area of the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104) to a surface. For example, the second monolithic inter-layer via 112 can extend from respective portions of the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106 to respective portions of the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104. For example, the second monolithic inter-layer via 112 can extend from a first metallurgy on the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104 to a second metallurgy on the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106. In another example, at least one monolithic inter-layer via can penetrate and contact respective gate layers of the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104 and the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106.

At least a third monolithic inter-layer via (not illustrated in FIG. 1) can extend from a gate of the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104 to a gate of the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106 and to a surface of the chip. This will be illustrated and described in further detail with respect to FIG. 10.

According to an implementation, the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104 can comprise the plate 100 (e.g., a first doped layer) formed on the substrate 102. As mentioned, the plate 100 (e.g., the first doped layer) can be, for example, a drain of the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104 (e.g., a bottom drain). A first semiconducting layer 114 can be formed on the plate 100. In an example, the first semiconducting layer 114 can be a FET body. In another example, the first semiconducting layer 114 can be one or more fins formed on the first doped layer. For example, as illustrated, four fins can be formed on the first doped layer. However, a different number of fins can be formed on the first doped layer in accordance with various implementations.

Further, a first gate layer 116 can be formed around respective first elements of the first semiconducting layer 114. For example, gates can be formed around the fins of the first semiconducting layer 114. Thus, a first gate can be formed around (e.g., wrapped around) a first fin, a second gate can be formed around a second fin, and so on. As illustrated the first semiconducting layer 114 can extend through the first gate layer 116 and, therefore, portions of the first semiconducting layer 114 can extend below and above the first gate layer 116.

A second doped layer 118 can be formed over the first semiconducting layer 114. According to an implementation, the second doped layer 118 can be, for example, a top junction. In an example, the second doped layer 118 can be a source region of the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104 (e.g., a top source). Further, a first contact layer 120 can be formed on the second doped layer 118. Thus, electrical current can flow vertically from the bottom (e.g., the first doped layer) to the top (e.g., the second doped layer 118) of the vertical transport field effect transistor structure. According to an implementation, a first bonding layer 132a can be formed over the second doped layer 118. Further details related to the layers of the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104 will be discussed below with respect to FIG. 2.

Further, the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106 can comprise the second bonding layer 132b and a third doped layer 122 placed over the first contact layer 120 (e.g., on the first bonding layer 132a). According to an implementation, the second bonding film (e.g., the second bonding layer 132b) and the third doped layer 122 can form a substrate that can be formed separately and then placed on the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104. The oxide films (e.g., the first bonding layer 132a and the second bonding layer 132b) can adhere to one another. Thereafter, the second tier can be fabricated staring with the third doped layer 122, which can comprise monocrystalline silicon.

The third doped layer 122 can be, for example, a drain region of the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106 (e.g., a bottom drain). A second semiconducting layer 124 can be formed on the third doped layer 122. The second semiconducting layer 124 can be a FET body and/or can comprise one or more fins formed on the third doped layer 122. Further, a second gate layer 126 can be formed around respective second elements of the second semiconducting layer 124. For example, a first gate (of the second gate layer 126) can be formed, or wrapped, around a first fin (of the second semiconducting layer 124). A fourth doped layer 128 can be formed over the second semiconducting layer 124. According to an implementation, the fourth doped layer 128 can be a source region of the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106 (e.g., a top source). A second contact layer 130 can be formed on the fourth doped layer 128. Further details related to the layers of the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106 will be discussed below with respect to FIGS. 3-10.

According to some implementations, the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106 can be stacked on the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104. Thus, the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106 can be referred to as a top-tier device (e.g., an upper-tier formation) and the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104 can be referred to as a bottom-tier device (e.g., a lower-tier formation).

The first bonding layer 132a and the second bonding layer 132b can be an interface (e.g., an interfacial region) between the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104 and the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106. For example, the first bonding layer 132a and the second bonding layer 132b can represent an interfacial region between the lower-tier formation and the upper-tier formation. The first bonding layer 132a can comprise a first bonding film and the second bonding layer 132b can comprise a second bonding film. The first bonding layer 132a and the second bonding layer 132b can comprise an oxide-to-oxide bond. For example, a thin film of oxide (e.g., the first bonding layer 132a) can be placed on top of the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104 and a second thin film of oxide (e.g., the second bonding layer 132b) can be placed on a bottom of the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106, which can facilitate bonding between the vertical transport field effect transistors.

According to an implementation, the first bonding film (e.g., the first bonding layer 132a) can be deposited on the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104 prior to formation of the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106. A substrate comprising the second bonding layer 132b and a third doped layer 122 of the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106 can be placed, as a unit, on or over the first bonding layer 132a. Further to this implementation, the second bonding layer 132b can be configured to affix the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106 to the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104 via the first bonding layer 132a.

In some implementations, one or more of the monolithic inter-layer vias (e.g., the first monolithic inter-layer via 110 the second monolithic inter-layer via 112, the third monolithic inter-layer via, and so on) can also be formed through the first bonding layer 132a and the second bonding layer 132b. Thus, portions of the first bonding layer 132a and the second bonding layer 132b are not removed during formation and/or stacking of the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106 on the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104 and/or during formation of the one or more monolithic inter-layer vias.

As illustrated the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104 can be surrounded by a first dielectric layer 134. Further, the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106 can be surrounded by a second dielectric layer 136. The first dielectric layer 134 and the second dielectric layer 136 can be formed from an electrically insulating material, a dielectric material, or a combination thereof. In addition, the first dielectric layer 134 and the second dielectric layer 136 can be formed using, but not limited to, a physical vapor deposition process, a chemical vapor deposition process, a spin-on deposition process, or combinations thereof.

As discussed herein, by using a continuous (or semi-continuous) bottom plate as a power supply, fewer MIVs could be employed in each logic cell. The bottom plate should be contacted periodically, in a manner similar to well contacts. By only periodically contacting the bottom, space can be saved. Further, the sheet resistance of the bottom plate can be very low, as there is little or no restriction on the doping level or thickness of this layer (e.g., the plate 100). Further, the bottom plate can be nearly continuous across the chip.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of formation of a first vertical transport field effect transistor in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

A base layer can comprise the substrate 102. According to an implementation, the substrate 102 can be a lightly doped p-type substrate. The n-type substrate can be created for p-channel devices. Further, although discussed with respect to an n-type substrate, according to some implementations, the substrate can be an p-type substrate with n-channel transistors.

The plate 100 (e.g., first doped region) can be deposited and etched over the substrate 102 and well region 202. For example, the plate 100 can be deposited and patterned on the substrate 102. According to an implementation, the substrate 102 can be an n-substrate and the first doped layer can be a P+ doped layer.

The plate 100 (also referred to as a first doped layer or a bottom drain) can be formed by epitaxy with in-situ doping). In example embodiments, the first doped layer can be formed sequentially on the substrate via epitaxial growth (e.g., formed by epitaxy). The first doped layer can be doped in situ. In example embodiments, epitaxial growth of the first doped layer can be performed in a single integrated epitaxy process. Alternatively, any suitable doping technique (e.g., ion implantation, plasma doping, etc.) can be used to form the first doped layer.

According to an implementation, the plate 100 (e.g., first doped layer) can comprise a conducting material (e.g., the first doped layer can be a conductor). For example, the plate 100 can be a heavily doped semiconductor. Further, in some implementations, the plate 100 can be a bottom drain and can be a highly conductive region. As the lateral dimensions of the plate 100 can be very large (e.g., many thousands of nm), the plate can be correspondingly thick and very conductive.

The first semiconducting layer 114 can be deposited and etched on the plate 100. For example, the first semiconducting layer 114 can be etched to form one or more fins that extend vertically upward from the plate 100. By way of example and not limitation, the one or more fins can extend vertically about 40 nanometers to 50 nanometers above the plate 100. However, the disclosed aspects are not limited to this measurement.

As illustrated, the first semiconducting layer 114 can comprise four fins, however, another number of fins can be utilized with the disclosed aspects. Wrapped around the fins can be respective gates that form the first gate layer 116. As illustrated, the fins can extend above and below the gates. For example, a first gate 208 can be wrapped around a first fin 210 (e.g., in a circumference), a second gate 212 can be wrapped around a second fin 214, a third gate 216 can be wrapped around a third fin 218, and a fourth gate 220 can be wrapped around a fourth fin 222. Accordingly, the structure illustrated in FIG. 2 can be gated from four sides when viewed from the top down.

According to some implementations, the fins of the first semiconducting layer 114 can have respective oxide layers, such as respective gate oxide layers around the fins. An additional dielectric layer, for example, a high-k dielectric (e.g., a dielectric material having a high dielectric constant k) can cover the gate oxide layer of the fins.

The second doped layer 118 can be formed on the first semiconducting layer 114. For example, the second doped layer 118 can be a top junction or a top source. The second doped layer 118 can be formed by epitaxy with in-situ doping. In an implementation, the second doped layer 118 can be formed sequentially on the substrate via epitaxial growth (e.g., formed by epitaxy). The second doped layer 118 can be doped in situ. In example embodiments, epitaxial growth of the second doped layer 118 can be performed in a single integrated epitaxy process. Alternatively, any suitable doping technique (e.g., ion implantation, plasma doping, etc.) can be used to form the second doped layer 118. According to an implementation, the second doped layer 118 can be highly doped to make a solid contact with the first contact layer 120.

The first contact layer 120 can be deposited and formed on the second doped layer 118. The first contact layer 120 can be a top source. According to some implementations, the first contact layer 120 can be an epitaxy film or epitaxy layer. Further, the material of the first contact layer 120 can be formed of a metallic material or a non-metallic material. If the material is metallic, the material can be refractory since additional high temperature processing can be performed later in the process. The first bonding film (e.g., the first bonding layer 132a) can be applied over the first contact layer 120 as discussed herein.

In operation, electrical current can be pulled out of the top of the device. For example, the electrical current can flow vertically from the bottom to the top. Thus, the current can flow in a direction from the first doped layer to the second doped layer 118.

It is noted that although the various aspects are illustrated and described with respect to one or more PFETs on a bottom-tier, and one or more NFETs located on a top-tier of a structure (e.g., NAND devices), the disclosed aspects are not limited to this implementation. Instead, the NFETs can be located on the bottom-tier and the PFETs can be located on the top-tier of the structure (e.g., NOR devices).

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first stage of formation of a second vertical transport field effect transistor in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

Although not explicitly illustrated, the first bonding layer 132a can be applied over the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104. According to some implementations the first bonding layer 132a can comprise an oxide-to-oxide film. The first bonding layer 132a can be a bonding dielectric, which can be planarized.

The third doped layer 122 and the second bonding layer 132b can be deposited and bonded to the first contact layer 120. The third doped layer 122 can be etched over the second doped layer 118 or over the first contact layer 120. The third doped layer 122 can be, for example, a drain of the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106 (e.g., a bottom drain). For example, the third doped layer 122 can be deposited and patterned. The third doped layer 122 can comprise a conducting material. According to some implementations, the third doped layer 122 can be formed of a material comprising monocrystalline and silicon. According to some implementations, the first bonding layer 132a can be approximately a 30 nm thick silicon on oxide bonded to the top of the wafer.

According to an implementation, the third doped layer 122 can be N+ doped. For example, according to some implementations, the first doped layer of the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104 can be P+ doped and the third doped layer 122 of the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106 can be N+ doped. However, the disclosed aspects are not limited to this implementation and the first doped layer can be N+ doped and the third doped layer 122 can be P+ doped. The determination of the doping (e.g., N-doped, P-doped) of the layers can be dependent on the desired aspect of the buried power bus (e.g., the plate: Vdd or ground, for example.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of formation of a semiconducting layer of the second vertical transport field effect transistor in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

The second semiconducting layer 124 can be deposited on the third doped layer 122. According to some implementations, an updoped epitaxial (EPI) can be grown for the active body (e.g., the second semiconducting layer 124). For example, a wafer of semiconducting material can be fabricated by epitaxial growth (epitaxy). During this portion of the fabrication process (as well as during other portions), the temperature can be controlled in order to not affect the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104.

After formation of the second semiconducting layer 124 on the third doped layer 122, both layers can be masked and etched, as depicted in FIG. 5, which illustrates a cross-sectional view of formation of a gate layer of the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

According to some implementations, the second semiconducting layer 124 can be etched to form one or more fins that can extend vertically upward from the third doped layer 122. By way of example and not limitation, the one or more fins can extend vertically about 40 nanometers to 50 nanometers above the third doped layer 122. However, in other implementations, the fins can extend less than 40 nanometers or more than 50 nanometers above the third doped layer 122. In some implementations, the second semiconducting layer 124 can be etched into four fins, however, the disclosed aspects are not limited to this specific implementation.

A second gate layer 126 can be formed around respective second elements of the second semiconducting layer 124. For example, the respective second elements can be fins. The fins can extend above and below the gates (e.g., the second gate layer 126 contacts a portion of the second semiconducting layer 124.

According to some implementations, the fins of the second semiconducting layer 124 can have respective oxide layers around the fins. For example, the second semiconducting layer 124 can have respective thick gate oxide layers around the fins. An additional dielectric layer, for example, a high-k dielectric (e.g., a dielectric material having a high dielectric constant k) can cover the thick gate oxide layer of the fins.

During formation of the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106, thermal cycles can be limited per various monolithic parameters. For example, the thermal cycles can be limited up to, but not including the metallic contact (e.g., a contact area).

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of formation of monolithic inter-layer vias in a vertical transport field effect transistors structure in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative cross-sectional view of formation of one or more monolithic inter-layer vias in a vertical transport field effect transistors structure in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

As illustrated, one or more monolithic inter-layer vias can be defined and etched. FIG. 6 illustrates the first monolithic inter-layer via 110 (e.g., from bottom drain to surface) and the second monolithic inter-layer via 112 (e.g., from bottom contact area to surface). It is noted that although only two monolithic inter-layer vias are illustrated, according to some implementations more than two monolithic inter-layer vias can be included on a device. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a third monolithic inter-layer via 702 and a fourth monolithic-interlayer via 704 formed in different areas of the vertical transport field effect transistor structure and can extend from first portions of the first vertical transport field effect transistor 104 to second portions of the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106. The third monolithic inter-layer via 702 and the fourth monolithic-interlayer via 704 extend from the bottom gate, through the top gate, and to the surface.

The one or more monolithic inter-layer vias 110, 112, 702, 704 can be drilled through the first bonding layer 132a and the second bonding layer 132b. Thus, portions of the first bonding layer 132a and the second bonding layer 132b are not removed prior to the formation of the one or more monolithic-inter-layer vias. A location and/or number of monolithic inter-layer vias can be chosen based on the type of device being fabricated (e.g., a NOR device, a NAND device).

In some implementations, the one or more monolithic inter-layer vias can be defined and etched. The etching can penetrate the gate contact (PB) region (e.g., the second gate layer 126). Thus, the gate contact can be penetrated (not the active part of the electrical circuit). According to some implementations, etching the one or more monolithic inter-layer vias 110, 112, 702, and 704 can be performed at about a same time or at different times. The timing of the etching can be a function of etch rates and etch stops, for example.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of formation of a contact area layer in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

As illustrated, the fourth doped layer 128 can be formed over the second semiconducting layer 124. The fourth doped layer 128 can be a top source (e.g., a source region) of the second vertical transport field effect transistor 106. A second contact layer 130 (e.g., a top contact layer) can be defined and etched over the fourth doped layer 128. According to an implementation, forming the fourth doped layer 128 and defining and etching the second contact layer 130 can be performed after defining and etching the one or more monolithic inter-layer vias as illustrated. However, according to other implementations, forming the fourth doped layer 128 and defining and etching the second contact layer 130 can be performed before defining and etching the one or more monolithic inter-layer vias.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of filling the second contact layer 130 and the monolithic inter-layer vias in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of filling the second contact layer 130 and the one monolithic inter-layer vias in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

As illustrated, the second contact layer 130 and the one or more monolithic inter-layer vias 110, 112, 702, 704 can be filled. The vias can be filled with a conductive material (e.g., a metal) including, but not limited to, indium-tin oxide, indium-zinc oxide, aluminum-zinc oxide, titanium, aluminum molybdenum, copper, cobalt, silver, gold, nickel, tungsten, chromium, hafnium, platinum, iron and their alloys.

According to some implementations, the second contact layer 130 and the one or more monolithic inter-layer vias 110, 112, 702, 704 can be filled at about the same time (e.g., concurrently). However, according to other implementations, the second contact layer 130 and the one or more monolithic inter-layer vias 110, 112, 702, 704 can be filled at different times.

Although not illustrated, various metallurgy can be formed over the second contact layer 130. For example, various layers, such as an M1, M2, M3, and so on, can be formed above the second contact layer 130.

To further illustrate the various aspects discussed herein, FIG. 11A illustrates a top-view of a bottom-tier of a two-contacted poly pitch (CPP) NAND device and FIG. 11B illustrates a top-view of a top-tier of the two CPP NAND device of FIG. 11A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 12 illustrates a related electrical circuit for the two CPP NAND device of FIGS. 11A and 11B in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an array of gates with a single power bus contact. For the 2CPP NAND device, the plate 100 (e.g., bottom plate) can be a power supply. Further, according to this implementation, the 2 CPP device can comprise PFETs on the bottom-tier and NFETs on the top tier. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, an isolation region 108 can be located around a perimeter of the chip.

FIG. 13A illustrates a top-view of a bottom tier of a 2CPP NOR device and FIG. 13B illustrates a top-view of a top-tier of the 2CPP NOR device of FIG. 13A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Further, FIG. 14 illustrates a corresponding electrical circuit for the device depicted in FIGS. 13A and 13B in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an array of gates with a single power bus contact. For the 2CPP NOR device, the plate 100 (e.g., bottom plate) can be a ground. Further, according to this implementation, the 2 CPP device can comprise NFETs on the bottom-tier and PFETs on the top tier. The isolation region 108 can be located around the edge of the chip, as illustrated in FIG. 13B.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method 1500 for fabricating a three-dimensional stacked vertical transport field effect transistor logic gates with buried power bus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

At 1502, a plate can be formed over a substrate. Material used for the substrate can vary. In an aspect, the substrate can comprise an oxidized silicon wafer. In another aspect, the substrate can comprise a transparent material (e.g., glass). In yet another aspect, the substrate can comprise a flexible material (e.g., polymeric substrate). According to another aspect, the substrate can comprise silicon dioxide.

At 1504, a first vertical transport field effect transistor can be formed over and adjacent the plate. The plate can be a power layer and can be continuous within regions of common voltage across a device (e.g., a semiconductor device). According to some implementations, the plate can be a doped layer. In an example, the plate can be a bottom drain of the first vertical transport field effect transistor.

In an example, forming the first vertical transport field effect transistor can comprise doping a first layer (e.g., the plate) formed on the substrate and forming a first semiconducting layer on the first layer. Further to this example, a first gate layer can be formed around respective first elements of the first semiconducting layer. In an example, the first elements can be a FET body or a fin. A second doped layer can be formed over the first semiconducting layer and a first contact layer can be formed on the second doped layer.

At 1506, a second vertical transport field effect transistor can be formed over and adjacent the first vertical transport field effect transistor. In an implementation, the second vertical transport field effect transistor can be stacked on the first vertical transport field effect transistor. In some implementations, a second bonding layer 132b can be provided that affixes the second vertical transport field effect transistor to the first vertical transport field effect transistor.

Continuing the above example, forming the second vertical transport field effect transistor can comprise placing a second bonding layer and a third layer on the first contact layer and forming a second semi-conducting layer on the third layer. Further, a second gate layer can be formed around respective second elements of the second semi-conducting layer. In addition, a fourth layer can be formed on the second semi-conducting layer and a second contact layer can be formed on the fourth layer.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow diagram of another example, non-limiting method 1600 for fabricating a three-dimensional stacked vertical transport field effect transistor logic gates with buried power bus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

At 1602, a plate is formed over a substrate. The plate can be a power layer. Further, the plate can be continuous within regions of common voltage across a device (e.g., a semiconductor device or a semiconductor chip). At 1604, a first vertical transport field effect transistor can be formed over and adjacent the plate.

Further, at 1606, a first bonding film (e.g., the first bonding layer 132a) can be deposited over the first vertical transport field effect transistor. According to an implementation, the first bonding film can be a thin layer film comprising oxide-to-oxide. A second bonding film (e.g., the second bonding layer 132b) can be used, at 1608, to affix a second vertical transport field effect transistor to the first vertical transport field effect transistor. The second vertical transport field effect transistor can be formed over and adjacent the first vertical transport field effect transistor, at 1610. The first bonding film and the second bonding film are not removed to form the second vertical transport field effect transistor (e.g., the second vertical transport field effect transistor can be formed directly on the bonding film).

The method 1600 can continue, at 1612, with defining and forming one or more monolithic inter-layer vias. The one or more monolithic inter-layer vias can penetrate and contact respective first portions of a gate layer of the second vertical transport field effect transistor and extend to respective second portions of a second gate layer of the first vertical transport field effect transistor. According to an implementation, etching the one or more monolithic inter-layer vias can comprise etching the one or more monolithic inter-layer vias through the bonding film. Accordingly, the bonding film is not removed prior to the formation of the one or more monolithic inter-layer vias. At 1614, the plate can be contacted from a surface of the device at intervals defined as a function of the regions of common voltage.

According to an implementation, forming the first vertical transport field effect transistor can comprise forming a p-channel field effect transistor over and adjacent the plate. In addition, forming the second vertical transport field effect transistor can comprise forming an n-channel field effect transistor over the p-channel field effect transistor. Further to this implementation, the plate can be electrically connected to a power supply.

In accordance with another implementation, forming the first vertical transport field effect transistor can comprise forming an n-channel field effect transistor over and adjacent the plate. In addition, forming the second vertical transport field effect transistor can comprise forming a p-channel field effect transistor over the n-channel field effect transistor. Further to this implementation, the plate can be electrically connected to ground.

For simplicity of explanation, the methodologies and/or computer-implemented methodologies are depicted and described as a series of acts. It is to be understood and appreciated that the subject innovation is not limited by the acts illustrated and/or by the order of acts, for example acts can occur in various orders and/or concurrently, and with other acts not presented and described herein. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts can be required to implement the computer-implemented methodologies in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that the computer-implemented methodologies could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states via a state diagram or events. Additionally, it should be further appreciated that the computer-implemented methodologies disclosed hereinafter and throughout this specification are capable of being stored on an article of manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring such computer-implemented methodologies to computers. The term article of manufacture, as used herein, is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device or storage media.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, FIG. 17 as well as the following discussion are intended to provide a general description of a suitable environment in which the various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented. FIG. 17 illustrates a block diagram of an example, non-limiting operating environment in which one or more embodiments described herein can be facilitated. Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity. With reference to FIG. 17, a suitable operating environment 1700 for implementing various aspects of this disclosure can also include a computer 1712. The computer 1712 can also include a processing unit 1714, a system memory 1716, and a system bus 1718. The system bus 1718 couples system components including, but not limited to, the system memory 1716 to the processing unit 1714. The processing unit 1714 can be any of various available processors. Dual microprocessors and other multiprocessor architectures also can be employed as the processing unit 1714. The system bus 1718 can be any of several types of bus structure(s) including the memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus or external bus, and/or a local bus using any variety of available bus architectures including, but not limited to, Industrial Standard Architecture (ISA), Micro-Channel Architecture (MSA), Extended ISA (EISA), Intelligent Drive Electronics (IDE), VESA Local Bus (VLB), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Card Bus, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Advanced Graphics Port (AGP), Firewire (IEEE 1394), and Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI). The system memory 1716 can also include volatile memory 1720 and nonvolatile memory 1722. The basic input/output system (BIOS), containing the basic routines to transfer information between elements within the computer 1712, such as during start-up, is stored in nonvolatile memory 1722. By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory 1722 can include read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, or nonvolatile random access memory (RAM) (e.g., ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM)). Volatile memory 1720 can also include random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM), direct Rambus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and Rambus dynamic RAM.

Computer 1712 can also include removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. FIG. 17 illustrates, for example, a disk storage 1724. Disk storage 1724 can also include, but is not limited to, devices like a magnetic disk drive, floppy disk drive, tape drive, Jaz drive, Zip drive, LS-100 drive, flash memory card, or memory stick. The disk storage 1724 also can include storage media separately or in combination with other storage media including, but not limited to, an optical disk drive such as a compact disk ROM device (CD-ROM), CD recordable drive (CD-R Drive), CD rewritable drive (CD-RW Drive) or a digital versatile disk ROM drive (DVD-ROM). To facilitate connection of the disk storage 1724 to the system bus 1718, a removable or non-removable interface is typically used, such as interface 1726. FIG. 17 also depicts software that acts as an intermediary between users and the basic computer resources described in the suitable operating environment 1700. Such software can also include, for example, an operating system 1728. Operating system 1728, which can be stored on disk storage 1724, acts to control and allocate resources of the computer 1712. System applications 1730 take advantage of the management of resources by operating system 1728 through program modules 1732 and program data 1734, e.g., stored either in system memory 1716 or on disk storage 1724. It is to be appreciated that this disclosure can be implemented with various operating systems or combinations of operating systems. A user enters commands or information into the computer 1712 through input device(s) 1736. Input devices 1736 include, but are not limited to, a pointing device such as a mouse, trackball, stylus, touch pad, keyboard, microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, TV tuner card, digital camera, digital video camera, web camera, and the like. These and other input devices connect to the processing unit 1714 through the system bus 1718 via interface port(s) 1738. Interface port(s) 1738 include, for example, a serial port, a parallel port, a game port, and a universal serial bus (USB). Output device(s) 1740 use some of the same type of ports as input device(s) 1736. Thus, for example, a USB port can be used to provide input to computer 1712, and to output information from computer 1712 to an output device 1740. Output adapter 1742 is provided to illustrate that there are some output devices 1740 like monitors, speakers, and printers, among other output devices 1740, which require special adapters. The output adapters 1742 include, by way of illustration and not limitation, video and sound cards that provide a method of connection between the output device 1740 and the system bus 1718. It should be noted that other devices and/or systems of devices provide both input and output capabilities such as remote computer(s) 1744.

Computer 1712 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computer(s) 1744. The remote computer(s) 1744 can be a computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a workstation, a microprocessor based appliance, a peer device or other common network node and the like, and typically can also include many or all of the elements described relative to computer 1712. For purposes of brevity, only a memory storage device 1746 is illustrated with remote computer(s) 1744. Remote computer(s) 1744 is logically connected to computer 1712 through a network interface 1748 and then physically connected via communication connection 1750. Network interface 1748 encompasses wire and/or wireless communication networks such as local-area networks (LAN), wide-area networks (WAN), cellular networks, etc. LAN technologies include Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Copper Distributed Data Interface (CDDI), Ethernet, Token Ring and the like. WAN technologies include, but are not limited to, point-to-point links, circuit switching networks like Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN) and variations thereon, packet switching networks, and Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL). Communication connection(s) 1750 refers to the hardware/software employed to connect the network interface 1748 to the system bus 1718. While communication connection 1750 is shown for illustrative clarity inside computer 1712, it can also be external to computer 1712. The hardware/software for connection to the network interface 1748 can also include, for exemplary purposes only, internal and external technologies such as, modems including regular telephone grade modems, cable modems and DSL modems, ISDN adapters, and Ethernet cards.

The present invention may be a system, a method, an apparatus and/or a computer program product at any possible technical detail level of integration. The computer program product can include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention. The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium can be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium can also include the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network can comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device. Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention can be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions can execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection can be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) can execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions. These computer readable program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create method for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions can also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. The computer readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational acts to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession can, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

While the subject matter has been described above in the general context of computer-executable instructions of a computer program product that runs on a computer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure also can be implemented in combination with other program modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks and/or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inventive computer-implemented methods can be practiced with other computer system configurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computing devices, mainframe computers, as well as computers, hand-held computing devices (e.g., PDA, phone), microprocessor-based or programmable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. The illustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. However, some, if not all aspects of this disclosure can be practiced on stand-alone computers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

As used in this application, the terms “component,” “system,” “platform,” “interface,” and the like, can refer to and/or can include a computer-related entity or an entity related to an operational machine with one or more specific functionalities. The entities disclosed herein can be either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a server and the server can be a component. One or more components can reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In another example, respective components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components can communicate via local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be an apparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by a software or firmware application executed by a processor. In such a case, the processor can be internal or external to the apparatus and can execute at least a part of the software or firmware application. As yet another example, a component can be an apparatus that provides specific functionality through electronic components without mechanical parts, wherein the electronic components can include a processor or other method to execute software or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality of the electronic components. In an aspect, a component can emulate an electronic component via a virtual machine, e.g., within a cloud computing system.

In addition, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. Moreover, articles “a” and “an” as used in the subject specification and annexed drawings should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. As used herein, the terms “example” and/or “exemplary” are utilized to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as an “example” and/or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

As it is employed in the subject specification, the term “processor” can refer to substantially any computing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited to, single-core processors; single-processors with software multithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software multithread execution capability; multi-core processors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a processor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. Further, processors can exploit nano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing processing units. In this disclosure, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “data store,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any other information storage component relevant to operation and functionality of a component are utilized to refer to “memory components,” entities embodied in a “memory,” or components comprising a memory. It is to be appreciated that memory and/or memory components described herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory can include read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, or nonvolatile random access memory (RAM) (e.g., ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM). Volatile memory can include RAM, which can act as external cache memory, for example. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM), direct Rambus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and Rambus dynamic RAM (RDRAM). Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or computer-implemented methods herein are intended to include, without being limited to including, these and any other suitable types of memory.

What has been described above include mere examples of systems and computer-implemented methods. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or computer-implemented methods for purposes of describing this disclosure, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of this disclosure are possible. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “possesses,” and the like are used in the detailed description, claims, appendices and drawings such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. The descriptions of the various embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Zhang, Chen, Rubin, Joshua, Hook, Terry, Rahman, Ardasheir

Patent Priority Assignee Title
10742218, Jul 23 2018 International Business Machines Corpoartion; International Business Machines Corporation Vertical transport logic circuit cell with shared pitch
11152346, May 22 2018 SOCIONEXT INC. Semiconductor integrated circuit device including capacitive element using vertical nanowire field effect transistors
11830774, Sep 23 2021 International Business Machines Corporation Buried contact through fin-to-fin space for vertical transport field effect transistor
Patent Priority Assignee Title
5612563, Mar 02 1992 Freescale Semiconductor, Inc Vertically stacked vertical transistors used to form vertical logic gate structures
6424007, Jan 24 2001 Power Integrations, Inc. High-voltage transistor with buried conduction layer
6744082, May 30 2000 U S BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT Static pass transistor logic with transistors with multiple vertical gates
7098478, Jan 22 2002 Renesas Electronics Corporation Semiconductor memory device using vertical-channel transistors
7109544, Feb 14 2003 Polaris Innovations Limited Architecture for vertical transistor cells and transistor-controlled memory cells
7683428, Jan 22 2004 GLOBALFOUNDRIES U S INC Vertical Fin-FET MOS devices
7709827, Oct 31 2002 Polaris Innovations Limited Vertically integrated field-effect transistor having a nanostructure therein
8637849, Sep 27 2007 GLOBALFOUNDRIES U S INC Vertical nanowire FET devices
9177890, Mar 07 2013 Qualcomm Incorporated Monolithic three dimensional integration of semiconductor integrated circuits
9659963, Jun 29 2015 International Business Machines Corporation Contact formation to 3D monolithic stacked FinFETs
9680473, Feb 18 2016 International Business Machines Corporation Ultra dense vertical transport FET circuits
9685436, Jun 25 2013 Intel Corporation Monolithic three-dimensional (3D) ICs with local inter-level interconnects
20020140006,
20040085810,
20060128088,
20060261406,
20090236658,
20100190334,
20110108803,
20130001701,
20140252306,
20140340952,
20150143309,
20160043074,
20170025412,
20180138200,
20180166433,
//////
Executed onAssignorAssigneeConveyanceFrameReelDoc
Dec 13 2017International Business Machines Corporation(assignment on the face of the patent)
Dec 13 2017HOOK, TERRYInternational Business Machines CorporationASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS 0443890512 pdf
Dec 13 2017RAHMAN, ARDASHEIRInternational Business Machines CorporationASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS 0443890512 pdf
Dec 13 2017RUBIN, JOSHUAInternational Business Machines CorporationASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS 0443890512 pdf
Dec 13 2017ZHANG, CHENInternational Business Machines CorporationASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS 0443890512 pdf
Mar 06 2020International Business Machines CorporationELPIS TECHNOLOGIES INCASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS 0525610161 pdf
Date Maintenance Fee Events
Dec 13 2017BIG: Entity status set to Undiscounted (note the period is included in the code).
Feb 06 2023REM: Maintenance Fee Reminder Mailed.
Jul 24 2023EXP: Patent Expired for Failure to Pay Maintenance Fees.


Date Maintenance Schedule
Jun 18 20224 years fee payment window open
Dec 18 20226 months grace period start (w surcharge)
Jun 18 2023patent expiry (for year 4)
Jun 18 20252 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4)
Jun 18 20268 years fee payment window open
Dec 18 20266 months grace period start (w surcharge)
Jun 18 2027patent expiry (for year 8)
Jun 18 20292 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8)
Jun 18 203012 years fee payment window open
Dec 18 20306 months grace period start (w surcharge)
Jun 18 2031patent expiry (for year 12)
Jun 18 20332 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12)